(L-R:) Ms. Juliene Ferrer, Dr. Roberto Figueroa, Jr., Ms. Conchita Mirabueno, UPOU Chancellor Joane V. Serrano, Dr. Richard Amansec, Assistant Professor Emely Amoloza, and Assistant Professor Edmerson Calungsod.
University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Chancellor Dr. Joane V. Serrano welcomed the Philippine Community eCenter Network (PhilCeCNet) on 4 June 2025 at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna.
The PhilCeCNet delegation included its President, Dr. Richard Amansec; Secretariat, Ms. Juliene Ferrer; and Region IVA and IVB Cluster Representative, Ms. Conchita Mirabueno. Chancellor Serrano was accompanied by Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) Dean, Dr. Roberto Figueroa Jr., Assistant Professor Edmerson Calungsod, who leads the Barangay Digital Transformation Hub initiative, and Assistant Professor Emely Amoloza, who also serves as the treasurer of PhilCeCNet.
Chancellor Serrano engages in discussion with PhilCeCNet for activities they can do collaboratively.
The discussion focused on continuing the partnership between the two institutions under UPOU’s new leadership. They explored collaborative efforts to advance and establish eCenters, that provide accessible internet services at the community level.
Dr. Amansec presented an overview of PhilCeCNet, a non-stock, non-profit, learning, and collaborative community of eCenter stakeholders. He presented their initiative to develop standards for the centers and support the current UPOU-supported Barangay Digital Transformation Hub by promoting connections between CeCs, CeC providers, and partners network members and international CeC networks.
They also discussed the plans for the upcoming Knowledge Exchange Conference (KEC20), a national event scheduled for September 2025 that aims to share best practices and foster collaboration in leveraging ICT for development. Chancellor Serrano said that UPOU intends to contribute to the conference through content development, expert speakers, and logistical support.
Asst. Prof. Calungsod and Dean Figueroa join the discussion with PhilCECNet.
Among the conference topics discussed for inclusion were Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Sustainability for the Marketplace of Ideas. The integration of VR into barangay-based eCenters was explored as an innovative approach to enhance access to learning and digital services in local communities. These eCenters could also serve as access points for potential UPOU students and community learners.
The use of conference materials as potential content for future Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) was also proposed. These MOOCs would serve as prerequisite learning tools for barangays looking to establish their own eCenters, ensuring a standardized and effective rollout of the initiative.
L-R: Dr. Amansec, Ms. Mirabueno and Asst. Prof. Amoloza
UPOU and PhilCeCNet’s partnership was reaffirmed during the meeting, with plans to sign a Memorandum of Agreement to formally seal the partnership.
UPOU and PhilCeCNet expressed a strong commitment to a shared vision of empowering communities through digital transformation and inclusive education, bridging the digital divide across the country.
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